6.4.2026 - Scott Elgersma

Thursday, June 4, 2026

The Holy Spirit as Keeper

Acts 26:28-29

As you enter your time with God today, take a moment to quiet your mind. Breathe this prayer: “Come, Lord Jesus, come. Fill me with your Spirit. Open my heart that you might share your words of life with me.”

We read today from Acts 26:28-29. Read the passage now or at the end of this devotion. What does this passage teach us about the Holy Spirit as Keeper?

I’m fairly certain that I experienced some of the early iterations of what became youth ministry when I was in 9th and 10th grade. The church that I was a part of in Kitchener, Ontario started a new program called Teen Club for kids my age, something that they had never done before. A young couple in their late 20s or early 30s agreed to host kids at their house where we would play games, have a Bible study and eat food in their basement. We also did a campout with everyone during the summer at a local campground with songs around the campfire and activities during the day.

Here’s the thing about this memory. A lot of it is really, really foggy, but a couple of things are very clear.

I cannot remember the name of the couple who hosted the group. I can see their faces, but that’s it. I can remember two girls who were there for sure, but no one else. This is in a group of over 20 kids. I remember the layout of the basement. I remember none of the conversations. But one thing I remember very distinctly.

This was the first time that I understood that following Jesus meant we lived together in relationships of love, support and community. 

The leaders loved us and took great interest in our lives. Even later, when I returned to that community as an adult, those folks wanted to talk, catch up, and showed real interest in my faith journey. They couldn’t believe that I was in ministry. What does that say about my behavior in my teen years?!

I remember the group loved each other and loved to be together. This was a new group, but within only a couple of weeks, lots of kids were joining us either from other churches or at the invitation of one of the kids. I remember we laughed together a lot, and I remember being excited that it was Wednesday night and that was Teen Club night. I remember having profound conversations about Jesus and I remember feeling more and more his tug on my heart that I would finally respond to a few years later.

Those leaders must be in their 60s or 70s (maybe even their 80s) today. They’ve lived a lot of life in the 40 years since the mid-1980s. I expect that they do not think about Teen Club very often. They could have no idea that those Wednesday night gatherings could have such a profound impact on one of the students that messed up their basement every meeting.

Often, we have no idea of the type of impact we can have on others as we work to build the kingdom of God.

“Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” Paul replied, “Short time or long – I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”

Paul has an opportunity to present the gospel and faithfully does so to King Agrippa, his wife Bernice, and the governor Festus. Almost this whole chapter is taken up with Paul’s proclamation of his story as Christ has changed his life. He makes it clear. Jesus has changed everything and made him a completely different person through his love and grace. Agrippa makes it clear that he’s listening, but Paul shouldn’t expect him to believe. He’s only heard this story that Paul is telling. There is no way that will move him to faith.

Perhaps he’s right, but Paul’s response to him reminds us that when we are obedient to the Spirit, we never quite know what God will do next, and importantly, when he will do it.

Is there a person in that room who heard what Paul said and out of curiosity, looked for believers in Christ in the city to find out more? Yes. Is it possible that this person came to faith and brought others in their family to faith? Yes. Is it possible that this family shared Christ with others who helped carried the kingdom of God into surrounding communities, cities and countries in the generations ahead? Yes. Is it possible that you or I could connect our faith story to the “family tree” that began in these words that Paul spoke while the Spirit kept him right where he wanted him, and gave Paul the exact words that he should speak?

Probable? Perhaps not. Possible? “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

May the Spirit keep us in his care equipping us with what we need to bring glory to God in doing everything that he calls us to do.

May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May the Lord turn his smile towards you and give you his peace.

In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

I love you all. Blessings.

Feel free to share this devotion with others.

To contact the author, please email: elgersma@therivercrc.com